June 19, 2006 - Bucks Training Center
On Monday, June 19, the Bucks held their their fifth draft prospect workout at the team's training center in St. Francis, WI. In the days leading up to the 2006 NBA Draft (June 28), the Bucks will hold a series of these workouts as they prepare to decide who to select with their lone pick, the 39th overall selection. Monday's workout roster included:
Bucks.com was on hand for the media availability following the 90-minute workout ...
Dave Babcock
Milwaukee Bucks Director of Player Personnel:
What were your thoughts on Taj Gray?
He’s a hard-nosed kid who played for a hard-nosed college kid. He’s definitely on our list, but that list is awfully big. The chances of him being picked at #39, I can’t tell you that, but he’s a prospect for sure.
How has the draft process been going?
It's day-to-day. All of the underclassmen pulled out and went back to school, so that cleans the list up a little bit. Over the next week, maybe we’ll get a feel for who’s being solidified as first-rounders and maybe we’ll have a clue to what that group of players is at 39, I hope.
What did you think of Viktor Keyru?
I’ve seen Viktor quite a bit over the last three years. He’s real smooth, athletic. Unfortunately for him, he’s played on teams in Russia over the last two years and he hasn’t gotten a lot of time. That may have held him back a little bit. But as you can see, he’s very athletic and his shooting is not bad. He’s a decent shooter and he’s got nice potential.
Christian Maraker:
How was the workout?
It was all right. It wasn’t my best workout.
How does it compare to other workouts you’ve done?
It’s probably one of the more intense ones I’ve been on. Houston was probably the worst one, but this one was up there.
How many workouts have you done?
This is my seventh workout.
Have any more coming up?
Two or three this week
Are you anxious for draft night?
A little nervous, but you take it as it comes.
Where do you think you’ll be chosen?
Everybody’s dreaming of the first round, but realistically, hopefully somewhere in the second round.
What are your strengths?
I feel I’m a pretty good shooter and I’m getting better as a defender.
How has the transition gone from college to the NBA scene?
It’s been going well. I like it. It’s something new.
When did you start playing basketball?
At 14, it’s been 9 years.
Being from Sweden, what got you to come to America?
Pacific started recruiting me out of high school over there and I started playing with them. I’ve been here five years now.
Was it difficult adjusting to the American lifestyle?
It was a little different coming over here by myself – everything’s new – getting new friends. It didn’t take very long, though.
How did your family react?
They don’t mind me being over here. They come visit every year. I have a younger brother that plays Division II over here too, so [my parents] are used to it now.
Taj Gray:
How was the workout?
This is my ninth one and I have one more coming up, maybe. We’ll see how Dallas turns out with the playoffs. I’ve had a fun time. It’s getting to that time where everything is wearing down to that last day. It’s fun, but I’m nervous though.
Are all of the workouts the same?
By the fourth one it’s like the same thing, but you’re doing it for a good reason. You’re doing it to try and get a job. It’s fun, but you kind of know what to expect.
What could you do for the Bucks if chosen?
I think I can help them being that defensive guy out there on the floor – long, athletic, able to fly around, block shots and help Andrew out on the boards – that kind of thing. So I think, defensively, I can fit in real well.
Is the transition from college to the NBA scene difficult?
I thought it was difficult at first, getting used to it and being a rookie, but I think after awhile you catch on and you learn and you go through it with everyone else.
What are the major differences you have noticed between the college and NBA level?
It’s a lot different than the college level. You have guys that are a lot bigger, a lot stronger, a lot quicker. You have smaller guys that are able to jump a lot higher than some smaller guys in college, so it’s a big transition from college to the NBA.
Are you anxious for the draft?
I’m waiting for that day to come up. I’m just going to sit back and relax. I know a lot of the guys I worked out with are going to get drafted. Just being able to have a chance to play with them and workout with them for these last two months has been something special. A big congratulations to those guys that get picked, and we’ll go from there.
Viktor Keyru:
What did you think of the workout today?
I liked it. Some good drills. I worked in Russia doing the same stuff.
Have you noticed a difference between playing basketball in Russia and playing in America?
In Russia, in the league right now, there are a lot of American guys playing. I played with a lot of American guys. Overseas right now, there are a lot of American guys. That’s why I’m not surprised to be here.
What teams have you worked out with?
I worked with Charlotte yesterday. This is my second workout. I came to Orlando for draft camp right after the season [in Russia]. That’s why I didn’t have time for workouts. It’s like I’m starting (late). I have maybe three starting tomorrow.
How was the basketball season in Russia?
It was up and down.
Where else will you do workouts?
Detroit tomorrow. Houston and San Antonio for sure. If I have one more day, I’d workout for all the teams. Three more teams; I will have those for sure.
Why have you chosen to remain in the draft this year?
Last year I tried, but I was not ready. This is my thing now. I’m ready to go right now to the draft and put my name in the draft.
How has your family responded?
My family, I have a big family – two brothers, one sister, my mom and dad. They know I’m here. I think they’re excited, but they’re not telling me.
What will you do for your team if selected?
I can run the floor and I try working on my shot a lot and I improved my shot a lot this year. I think I’m a good defender too.
Antywane Robinson:
How many workouts have you done?
This was my third. I went to New Jersey twice and then here. I still have to go to Utah, (Philadelphia) and possibly Minnesota. Where do see yourself in the draft mix?
It would be a blessing for me to get drafted in the second round. I’m not going to bank on it, but I’d like to get drafted in the second round or get signed as a free agent.
What team do you think you could fit in with?
Right now, I’m just playing it by ear. I think I could fit in a New Jersey squad or with the 76ers. I see myself more as a 3 than anything else. I can shoot it like a 2, but I’d be more comfortable I think at the 3.
What are your strengths and what are you working on?
I can shoot it from anywhere on the floor. I can find people open. I run the floor pretty well and I try to play good defense every now and then. I’m working on my dribbling and my pick-and-rolls. And coming off of screens.
You went to Temple University. What was it like working with coach (John) Cheney?
That’s an experience that you have to experience on your own to know it. There’s nothing like having a 70-year-old man yelling at you at five in the morning. It wears on you mentally, but it helps in the long run. He’s a great coach. There’s no doubt as to why he’s in the Hall of Fame. His approach is more or less like, “I got it done this way in the 80’s, so this is how I want it done now.” When times change, he doesn’t change. He stays the way he was when he was 30 or 40. People told him to change his philosophies, but he didn’t see it that way. I loved my experience at Temple. I had a great time there.
Who are you pulling for in the NBA Finals?
I’m pulling for Dallas because one of my ex-teammates in high school plays there, DeSagana Diop. We went to high school together at Oak Hill Academy. We keep in touch. Every time he comes to play the 76ers or whatever, we go hang out. I was a junior when he was a senior. We won the national championship my junior year and were supposed to win it my senior year, but we got upset by a team from California. Carmelo Anthony was my teammate my senior year.
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